Gorgeous and colourful day at Newington. Nice crowd, nice feel. I watched bits of two games, two games in full, but did not stay for later games because I wanted to know what had happened elsewhere in the thirds.
Shore 4ths were just to strong for Newington 4ths with a blow out score. Then TAS seconds had a very comfortable win over Newington 5ths. A Newington parent commented on differing skill levels. It's actually difficult, for TAS seconds get (I think) more intensive coaching. There was a red card in this game, but I was too far away to work out why.
The thirds game stated with two quick TAS tries before Newington scored. Tas recovered, scoring a try and a yellow card in quick succession. Two minutes later Newington scored again, followed two minutes after that by a Newington yellow card. Again, i couldn't see the causes of either yellow card. The second half was all TAS as speed and weight told. Despite the final score (52-10), Newington actually slowed the TAS running game in the first half. Two of the TAS backs in particular are very fast and dangerous. They ran through Scots earlier
Despite my sunburn, I forgot to take a hat, I enjoyed the game and Newington hospitality. And if as it seems TAS has won the inaugural GPS Thirds premiership, I may (I hope) be forgiven for feeling a sense of satisfaction and pride.
I was at Stanmore today to watch a mate's son play in the firsts and as you say, what a wonderful Sydney day. I'd forgotten how low the planes get there though.
Any way, well done to TAS on their victory and I thought Newington did well to stay with them for 3/4 of the match as the TAS boys were, bigger, stronger and faster. TAS led the whole match, but for most of it were only 1-2 tries ahead and then really cut loose in the last 15 mins to show what a good team they are. Well-coached, well-prepared physically and good players all over the field.
The TAS 2s v NC 5s seemed a complete mismatch, I saw most of it and despite TAS only having 14 on the field because of the red card, it was still a lot to nil.
In the 2nds, the lead changed throughout the match. Newington had a very dominant scrum, but after about 15mins the game went to uncontested scrums. With about 5 to go, Newington were up 16-14 on attack and a move from the back of a scrum went wrong and Shore swept downfield and kicked ahead. A Newington player won the race for the ball, but in a moment of indiscipline, shouldered a Shore player to the ground before the 22 could be taken and was penalised. Shore kicked the 3 to lead 17-16. The drama was not over yet, as from the kickoff Newington went on the attack and were awarded a penalty out near the touchline about 25m out. They decided to take the all or nothing option, which was surprising as the boy had missed a couple of easier shots. The kick was waved away, but the match had more in it as the ball landed in goal, took a left turn and began bouncing parallel to the dead ball line. The New winger, who was the only player on the field chasing the kick only had to catch the ball and fall over to score the winning try, but got himself into a tangle, stumbled and the ball bounced over his head across the touch in goal line. Full time and a win to Shore.
In the 1sts, Newington kicked-off, regathered and scored in the first minute. The rest of the first half followed the pattern of Shore in possession in the Newington half, on the back of a procession of penalties, but unable to score more than 1 penalty goal. To their credit, they threw eveything they had at the try line, but the defence held. Each time Newington gained possession they scored. Newington received their first penalty about a minute before half time and the score at oranges was NC 31, Shore 3. I'd estimate that Shore had about 70% of possession and territory in the first half. The second half followed a similar pattern, although it took about 15-20 mins for Newington to score. At 38-3, I'd had enough and left with about 10 to go. I suspect that the script didn't change that much after that.
Newington too big and too skilful, Shore played out of their skins and never gave up, but didn't have the size or skill to score despite a mountain of possession.